Chadds through after late drama

CHADDERTONIANS produced a late, late comeback to reach the quarter-finals of the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup for the third time in four seasons.

Two goals adrift by the mid-way point of the first half, the premier division outfit recovered to defeat Hooley Bridge Celtic 3-2 in round four of the competition.

Chadds were shaken to the core by Celtic’s double strike, but Rick Massey reduced the arrears just before half-time with a well-taken header.

The home side went on to dominate the second period, but were unable to to break down a stubborn Celtic rearguard.

They finally got on level terms with less than five minutes left on the clock — Steve Barrow struck with a great drive — before Mark Kearns got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble to clinch Chadds’ place in the last eight.

The club’s other games were postponed due to the weather, so too the fixtures involving the four teams at Oldham Hulmeians, including the first XI’s league match at Astley Bridge.

Meanwhile, more than £6,000 was raised at a dinner in memory of Rob Wood, a long-serving Oldham Hulmeians player who died in September at the age of 46.

Some 170 people attended the function at the White Hart, Lydgate, which included entertainment from Andy Lee, an auction and a raffle.

The event was in aid of Rob’s family and the organisers said they would like to thank everyone who made it such a successful night.

Results —

Lancashire Amateur Cup, round four: Chaddertonians 3, Hooley Bridge Celtic 2.

First XIs Cup: Howe Bridge Mills P Failsworth Dynamos P.

Division one: Castle Hill P Mostonians P.

Division two: Astley Bridge P Oldham Hulmeians P; Mostonians Res 4, Old Boltonians Res 4; Prestwich P Chaddertonians Res P.

Division three: Failsworth Dynamos Res P Roach Dynamos P.

Division four: Chaddertonians ‘A’ P Hesketh Casuals Res P.

Division five: Bury GSOB ‘A’ P Oldham Hulmeians Res P; Hesketh Casuals ‘A’ 2, Mostonians ‘A’ 0.

Division seven: Oldham Hulmeians ‘A’ P Horwich RMI ‘A’ P; Mostonians ‘B’ 7, Radcliffe Town ‘B’ 4.